Preventing Lead Exposure from Renovation & Remodeling Projects

In the United States, lead-based paints were banned for residential use in 1978. Regrettably, many homes built before then still have some lead-based paints in them. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports there are approximately 34 million homes in the U.S. that have lead-based paint somewhere in the building.

Lead-based paints are also one of the most significant sources of lead exposure and lead poisoning. As these paints deteriorate, are disturbed, or when they are unsafely removed from surfaces by dry scraping, sanding, or open-flame burning, lead-containing dust can contaminate a property. People can then be exposed by inhaling or ingesting the lead dust.

These are all reasons why potential lead exposures need to be considered during renovation and remodeling activities in older homes and buildings. The EPA even requires any renovation, repair, or painting (RRP) projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and preschools built before 1978 to be performed by lead-safe certified contractors. In most cases, EPA’s Lead RRP rule does not apply to homeowners doing projects in their own homes.

“It’s also important to recognize that depending on where a project is taking place, there may be various state or local regulations dealing with lead that need to be followed,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “Fortunately, testing and monitoring for lead can identify exposure risks in and around buildings so they can be safely removed or mitigated. This not only protects building occupants and workers, these services also help to keep renovation, abatement, and construction companies in compliance with health and safety regulations to avoid costly noncompliance penalties.”

To assist in this effort, CTSI offers lead-based paint testing, consulting, and training services. Their EPA lead certified risk assessors and inspectors have successfully performed thousands of projects for daycare centers, construction firms, landlords, facility managers, schools, universities, and other clients. CTSI’s services comply with NYC Department of Health, HUD, and EPA guidelines.

CTSI also recently sponsored an educational video about potential lead exposure risks from renovation and remodeling projects that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/vdRs4mq8M58

To learn more about lead or other environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email contactus@ctsiweb.com, or call (212) 971-7016.

About CTSI
Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective solutions. This commitment has been furthered by CTSI’s reputation for fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself on utilizing a high-quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals’ concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail